“Knowing what's right doesn't mean much unless you do what's right.” T. Roosevelt
As I approached, I noticed the "temp plate" on the big Audi, indicating this was a "new" SUV. It really did shine in the early morning sunlight.
Moments later, a young man, perhaps 8 or 9, emerged eagerly from the car, opening the door with intention and power so that its brilliant blue door scraped confidently against my once-new sedan. The sound was enough to evoke a clear revoke from the driver of the new vehicle. "You have got to be careful, this car is brand new," she invoked in a way that the passenger hung his head. "You scratched my car!" She continued her rebuke in a language that clearly the child understood, but I did not, never looking at me or acknowledging the clear blue mark on the side of my car, and began heading away.
In the past, I would have sighed and moved on, with a new to me scratch (and dent). However, I am painfully aware, of late, that keeping quiet is not the best policy when faced with bullies. So, I asked if she had noticed my car?
Without missing a beat, she turned on her heal and offered only, "Your car is old."
"My car was scratched and dented by your door," I implored as she turned her back towards me, and tossed $20 towards me. "It's not so much the dent that bothers me," I foolishly began as she turned and picked up her money.
"I'll have you on harassment," she said confidently with the same bully stance I hear on the news every day filling me with fear for the bullying behavior that paralyzes victims and for those children who will likely become a new generation of bullies.
So, thinking of the T. Roosevelt quote, I yelled over the cars, "An apology is warranted." Of course, I didn't get one.
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